Accessory Carrier for Personal Digital Device

ABSTRACT

An accessory carrier to enclose and support for hands-free operation virtually any size of a personal electronic device in a soft, flexible case that is adapted to convenient and shock-absorbing support by or on a variety of objects, that provides for protection of the enclosed device if dropped, and protects the device from spills, grubby fingers, etc., all while permitting full touch operation of a touch sensitive display on the enclosed device through a transparent protective panel of the carrier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/493,409 filed Jun. 3, 2011 and entitledHANGING POUCH FOR SMALL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to cases for supporting smallappliances during use and more particularly to cases for enclosingpersonal digital devices and supporting them hands-free during viewingor protecting their screens from foreign substances.

2. Background of the invention and Description of the Prior Art:Carriers or carrying cases for small appliances such as personalelectronic devices are typically designed for ease of carrying or easeof operation while enclosed within or supported by the case. Somedevices are built into carrying cases (e.g., laptop computers). Somedevices are more adapted to separate cases, primarily to protect thedevice while it is being transported. Other devices such as smart phonesor tablet computers having touch sensitive displays also havecharacteristics peculiar to them—namely, the screens may both displayvideo programs for viewing and provide an interface for enteringcommands and data or interacting with a game program, directly on thedisplay screen. When viewing a video program, or listening to an audioprogram on such devices, it is usually not necessary to handle thedevice except when operating it before or after the content is playedback. Thus, a hands-free mode of operation is presented, and the deviceis susceptible to being propped up on some surface or object so that theviewer can have the use of his or her hands. Such temporary support canoften be inconvenient for the user as well as potentially harmful to thedevice if the temporary support is disturbed or tenuous or precarious.

When it is necessary to interact with the device by touching its screento enter a command or data or to interact with the screen when playing agame, for example, it is recommended that the user's hands be clean toavoid fingerprint smudges on the screen or deposit of food or othersubstances on the screen that impair visibility or perhaps even beharmful to the surface of the screen, thereby adversely affecting itsreadability, responsiveness to touch, reliability, or even longevity.This operating condition can be avoided by using ordinary caution andattention to the need to use work habits that could soil or damage thescreen. However, with young children this is more difficult to arrangeand manage, especially when a device is left alone with a child andprovided to the child to use and/or view as entertainment. With infantchildren, dribbles and drools, sneezes, or even spit up food place thedevice at risk of exposure to potentially damaging effects on thedevice.

When devices having touch-sensitive display screens are used by youngchildren, toddlers, or even infants, these operating situations presentcertain additional challenges particularly while traveling or awaitingcommencement of an appointed service or contact. A problem that oftenarises is how to support a small electronic device having a touchsensitive screen while traveling or waiting, or when a device is beingused in the hands-free or direct interaction situations noted above.

Conventional devices heretofore available address these problems in partbut are limited in significant ways. Some function only as carryingcases that do not permit use of the personal digital device while in thecase. Others merely provide a means of supporting a device forhands-free viewing with the display screen at a suitable angle on atable.

One currently available product called “Apptivity™ Case” fromFisher-Price®, a division of Mattel, Inc., for use by infants andtoddlers supports a limited number smart phone devices in a rigid traybut has a number of disadvantages. Importantly, this product iscompatible with only one size of digital device—only a device having theexact dimensions of the tray can be installed in this product. The trayis inserted into the back side of a rigid frame and secured with aquarter-turn knob requiring a coin to turn the knob. The requirement ofa coin to complete assembly is problematic for the very young because ofthe potential choking hazard and requires an adult to install the smartphone in the case. The hard structures of the tray and frame of the caseprovide no shock-absorbing capability. This product also appearsdesigned to be held—and played with—by a child and lacks featuresdesigned for facilitating convenient support on other objects forhands-free viewing.

Other products provide a clear protective cover in a water proof casethat requires opening the cover to operate the device. Still othershaving a fabric case completely enclose the device and require removalof the device to operate it. Another product is a stand that supportsthe device at a convenient viewing angle on a table top, for example,and includes a tether with a hook for hanging the stand, but provides noprotection of the display screen surface from spills, grubby fingers,etc. while touching the screen.

What is needed is a simple, child-friendly and child-safe apparatus thatovercomes the above deficiencies, is easy to use, provides support forvirtually any size personal digital device, and permits operation of thetouch sensitive screen while installed in the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, to solve the foregoing short comings of the prior art thepresent invention provides a carrier to enclose and support forhands-free operation virtually all sizes of a personal electronic devicein a soft, flexible and spacious case that is adapted to convenient andshock-absorbing support by or on a variety of objects, that provides forprotection of the enclosed device if dropped, and protects the devicefrom spills, grubby fingers, etc., all while permitting full touchoperation through a transparent protective panel over the screen. Theinvention is a simple, child-friendly and child-safe apparatus thatovercomes the deficiencies in the prior art, is easy to use,inexpensive, and readily adaptable to a variety of different conditionsof use.

In one embodiment an accessory carrier for a personal electronic deviceis provided, comprising an envelope having a front and back panel joinedtogether along respective first and second sides and bottom edgesthereof and open along a top edge; a front panel of the envelope formedof thin, transparent plastic sheet; a back panel of said envelope formedof first (inner) and second (outer) layers of fabric enclosing therebetween a third reinforcing layer; and at least one pair of buttonloops, each loop of said pair extending from one side and opposite thecorresponding loop of the pair extending from the side opposite.

In one aspect the invention includes a closure flap extending from a topedge of the back panel and disposed over said open top edge and a topedge of the front panel of the envelope; wherein the closure flapincludes first and second ends joined to respective the side edges ofthe envelope.

In another aspect the invention includes a second pair of button loops,each loop extending from one side and opposite the corresponding buttonloop of the pair extending from the side opposite.

In another aspect the invention includes at least one child-safe linkfor attaching a the button loop to a supporting object.

In another aspect the invention includes the third reinforcing layer isa thin sheet of closed-cell foam having a thickness exceeding 0.1 inch.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention an accessory carrier for apersonal electronic device is provided, comprising an envelope having afront and back panel joined together along respective first and secondsides and bottom edges thereof and open along a top edge; a front panelof the envelope formed of thin, transparent plastic sheet; a back panelof the envelope formed of at least one layer of medium weight fabric;and at least one pair of button loops, each loop of the pair extendingfrom one side and opposite the corresponding loop of the pair extendingfrom the side opposite, wherein this alternate embodiment may includeany of the various aspects noted in the preceding paragraphs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view along the longitudinalcenterline of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention and one example of the use of an associated supporting device;

FIG. 4 illustrates, in several alternate views, A, B, C, D, and E, agroup of alternative supporting devices that may be used in associationwith the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example of use of the invention as supportedfrom headrest posts of an automobile seat;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of the use of the invention assupported from an airplane seat;

FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame of a grocery cart;

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame of a toddler's car seat;

FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame of a child's stroller;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame of a baby crib or play pen; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the free-standing use of the inventionby a child without using any supporting device as shown in FIGS. 5through 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A personal digital device for the purpose of the following descriptionincludes but is not limited to portable computing and/or communicationdevices having a display screen that responds to touching its surface toenter commands or data or otherwise interact with it. Examples includetablet computers, and the broad categories of smart telephones andhand-held video games and the like. Such devices typically communicatewith networks and other devices by wireless links and interfaces andthus normally require no cords or cables attached to them duringoperation. The accompanying drawings are intended to be viewed inconjunction with the Detailed Description. The various figures depictthe invention and identify its features with reference numbersassociated with the written description. The same reference numbersappearing in more than one view refer to the same structural element orfeature. Further, the embodiment shown and described is provided toillustrate the principles of the present invention and not intended tolimit the ways the invention may be implemented. For example, while thedevices illustrated are adapted to use primarily by children, theinvention is not limited solely to their use. Adaptations of the basicconcept may easily be adapted for other similar uses and may beimplemented in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit ofthe invention as set forth in the claims that follow the detaileddescription. Further, in the description following, both personaldigital devices (of several types) and supporting objects—seats orchairs in cars, airplanes, waiting rooms, households; or strollers orcar seats for infants or toddlers, or grocery carts, etc.—are items inthe environment of the invention, which, though some of these areindicated or shown in partial form in the drawings, are not part of theinvention.

When personal digital devices having touch-sensitive display screens areused by young children, toddlers, or even infants, such devices are atrisk of damage or impairing their performance by soiling the displaysurface, etc. A problem that often arises is how to support a smallelectronic device having a touch sensitive screen while traveling orwaiting for an appointment, or when a device is being used in thehands-free or direct interaction situations noted above. In addition toproviding convenient means of supporting the device for hands-freeviewing, and providing access to the surface of the screen, a device forsupporting a personal digital device must accommodate a wide variety ofsizes and shapes of personal digital devices, and be child-friendly andchild-safe—i.e., easy for children to use and soft to the touch, withouthard edges or surfaces. Preferably, the solution should also providesome protection against breakage if dropped, and be easily cleaned.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front side view of one embodiment of a carrier fora personal digital device according to the present invention. In itsbasic form the invention is an accessory carrier for a personalelectronic device configured as an envelope made of soft, flexiblematerials that has a transparent front panel to permit operation of atouch screen through it, and at least one pair of resilient button loopsextending from the sides of the envelope. These resilient loops enablehanging or supporting the envelope from supporting objects such as seatsor chairs in cars, airplanes, waiting rooms, households, etc. to allowhands-free viewing of images or video programs appearing on the displayscreen. The carrier is spacious and can be produced in a variety ofsizes to accommodate virtually any size of personal digital device thatis or becomes available, thus eliminating any compatibility issues. Theconstruction of the carrier from quilting fabric, closed cell foam, anda vinyl front panel, and the resilient button loops that support thecarrier, together provide shock-absorbing properties while retaining theease of inserting or removing the personal digital device and theability to operate the device while it is inside the carrier. This is acombination of features not known to exist prior to the presentinvention, which provides an advancement in the state of the art in suchaccessory devices.

The view in FIG. 1 includes several features, some of them optional, asfollows. The carrier 10, which in one embodiment may be called a “CarSeat Cinema™” a name that reflects one of the many uses of the carrier10, includes an envelope 12 having a front panel 14 and a rear panel 16.The carrier may further be equipped with resilient button loops 18, 19extending from the side edges 28, 30 of the envelope 12. In someembodiments additional resilient button loops 20, 21 may be included. Instill other embodiments resilient button loops 22, 23, and/or 24, 25 mayalso be included. In a preferred embodiment, button loops 18 and 19provide for supporting the envelope 12 in a vertical or “portrait”orientation. In another preferred embodiment, the added pair of buttonloops 20, 21 may be included to provide the option to a user to supportthe envelope in a “landscape” orientation from one of the side edges ofthe envelope. Embodiments having double button loops, as for buttonloops 18, 22 and 19, 23, for example, may be included to provideadditional support of the envelope 12 and its contents. Preferredembodiments will have one (18, 19) or two (18, 19 and 20, 21) pairs ofresilient button loops. Of course, the choice of numbers of pairs of thebutton loops to include is optional. It is preferred that the materialfor the button loops be resilient—i.e, so that they will stretchsomewhat when a child pulls on the carrier 10. The resilient propertyalso provides some shock-absorbing capability to minimize jarring forcesimparted to the personal digital device when it is attached tostrollers, grocery carts, etc.

The material suggested for the button loops 18, 19 and 20, 21 (as wellas the loops 22-25 shown in FIG. 1) is an elastic cord approximately 5mm (millimeters) in width (for flat elastic cord) or diameter (for roundelastic cord). Typical elastic cord includes a rubber band materialwithin a fabric sleeve and is readily available in a variety of colors.Braided elastic cord is also suitable. The cord is elastic to providesome shock-absorbing capability and to facilitate securing the carrierto the supporting objects and providing moderate “give” as the buttonloops are stretched to reach a tie point or to absorb efforts to grab orpull on the carrier, etc. The elastic material also permits someadjustment of viewing angles, etc. Further, having four loops providessome versatility in supporting the carrier in a secure and convenientorientation. For example, the uppermost loops (in either the portrait orlandscape orientation) can be used to support the carrier and itscontents while the lower most pair can be used for attaching ballast tokeep the carrier from shifting about too readily.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the envelope 12 has a bottom edge or side 26 anda top edge or side 32. Attached to the top edge 32 of the rear panel 16is a short flap 34 having a free edge 36. The flap 34 may be sewn to thetop edge 32 of the rear panel 16 (or it can be an extension of the rearpanel 16). The ends of the flap 34 aligned with the sides 28 and 30 arepreferably sewn along the sides 28 and 30 at the locations 38 and 40 asshown. The front 14 and rear 16 panels may be sewn together along theside 28 and 30, bottom edge 26, and top edge 32 with a strong thread atseams 44. The flap 34 may be sewn to the upper portion of the envelope12 at the seam 46. The upper edge of the front panel, not visible inFIG. 1, but shown in detail in FIG. 2, is disposed just under the flap34 between the lower edge 36 of the flap 34 and the seam 46. Also shownin FIG. 1 in dashed lines 42 is the location of a fastening device forsecuring the flap 34 to the front panel 14. The fastening device 42 tobe described may be positioned between the underside of the flap 34 andthe upper portion of the front panel 14. A separate fastening device 42is typically not required on smaller versions of the carrier 10, 62. Forexample, a size of carrier 10, 62 suitable for a small device such as asmart phone 100 is small enough that the flap 34 will remain closed overthe upper edge of the transparent front panel 14 by virtue of therelatively small dimensions of the carrier 10, 62 after the device 100is inserted into the carrier.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the envelope depicted inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3 may be constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes toaccommodate various sizes and kinds of personal digital devices havingtouch-sensitive (or, “touch”) screens. The front panel 14 is formed of athin, transparent, preferably clear material to permit operation of thetouch sensitive display screen of a personal digital device enclosedwithin the accessory carrier envelope. The back panel 16 of the carrierenvelope may be constructed of one or more layers of fabric or similarmaterial One layer of material for the back panel is feasible in someapplications, for example, in smaller carriers. However, in most unitsthree layers are preferred as will be described. Further, the shapes ofthe panels 14, 16 and flap 34 may vary from that shown in FIG. 1 andstill provide all of the intended features and functionality of theinvention. Moreover, all of the materials used in the construction ofthe carrier 10, in all of its embodiments must be chosen to be safe foryoung children to use and handle.

Turning now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated a cross section view of thecarrier 10 along the longitudinal centerline of the embodiment ofFIG. 1. This view is not to scale but is shown with the thickness of theenvelope 12 expanded and the overall length contracted to betterillustrate the details of construction. FIG. 2 also depicts the flap 34extended, before it is folded against the front of the envelope 34 to besewn along the sides of the envelope 38, 40 along the seam 46. The frontpanel 14 may preferably be a thin 15 Gauge sheet of transparent (or“clear”) double polished vinyl, designated herein as transparent plasticsheet 50. This material is selected because it is optically very clear,is thin enough and flexible enough to permit an undistorted view of thedisplay screen of the device placed within the envelope 12. This gaugealso permits operation of the touch screen through the front panel 14made of the transparent sheet 50. Contact with the display screen isthrough a “tap” or “finger swipe” gesture on the front panel 14.Thicknesses other than 15 gauge may be used although the 15 Gaugethickness is preferred. Generally, a thickness of 20 Ga. or less may beused. It is suggested that gauges less than 10 are not recommended asbeing too thin to provide sufficient reliability. To prepare thetransparent sheet 50 for assembly with the back panel 16, a bias tapeedging 58 may be sewn to the upper edge of the transparent sheet 50 anda fastening device 42B may be affixed to the transparent sheet 50 justbelow the upper edge of the transparent sheet 50 and the bias tapeedging 58.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the envelope 12 includes a back panel 16 formed,in this illustrated embodiment, of three layers. The first (inner) andsecond (outer) layers 52, 54 may be formed of a fabric material such ascotton quilting material and enclose a third layer 56 of closed cellpolyurethane foam approximately 0.125 inch thick. The third(intermediate) layer 56 provides some moderate stiffness to the backpanel 16 that makes it easier to insert and remove a personal digitaldevice, and to give the envelope 12 a body or “heft” that is easier tohandle. The third (intermediate) layer 56 of closed cell foam alsoprovides some cushioning of the personal digital device 100 enclosedwithin the carrier 10, 62. In some applications the closed cell foam maybe 0.1 to 0.3 inch thick. The outer layers are preferably 100% cottonquilting fabric or equivalent having a suggested weight of 5 to 5½oz./yd. for a standard 45 inch width. This weight is not critical,however. All of the materials chosen for the carrier 10 are selected forbeing washable and child-friendly as well as easily handled duringmanufacture of the envelope 12 of the carrier 10.

In some embodiments the back panel 16 may employ a laminated materialthat has the same properties as the three-layer composition described inthe preceding paragraph, including the body, stiffness, cushioning,washability, etc. It is even possible to use a single layer material ofsuitable weight, or even light weight leather of medium stiffness andhaving the combination of characteristics described above. As is wellknown, fabrics are available in a wide range of weights in ounces (oz.)or grams (gr.) per square yard or square meter. For the applicationdescribed herein a medium weight fabric having a medium stiffness or“body” or “heft” or “drape” may be used. For example, denim (e.g., 16oz./sq.yd.) or canvas (ranging up to 12 oz./sq.yd.) are relatively heavyand stiff fabrics, while quilting fabric is lighter and less stiff thaneither but not as light or stiff as cotton sheeting or shirt clothfabrics. Thus, quilting fabric is representative of medium weightfabrics having some stiffness. Other examples might include furniturefabrics although they would tend to be closer to heavier weights andstiffness than quilting. The heavier weights are less suitable becauseof the difficulty of sewing them in seams that are not bulky, etc. Forthese reasons, the 5 to 5½ oz./sq.yd. is a suitably medium weight fabricfor the embodiment having first and second layers and an intermediatethird layer of closed cell foam. For a single layer, a heavier weightfabric of 10 oz./sq.yd. to 12 oz./sq.yd., or a light weight leather ofmedium stiffness may be suitable, although some experimentation may benecessary to suit the particular application. Thus, the embodiment inFIG. 2 may be modified for some applications, for example, accessorycarriers for smaller personal digital devices, by deleting the innerlayer 52 and the intermediate (stiffener) layer 56. In thismodification, the hemmed edge 32 is formed of the edge of the singlelayer 54.

Careful observers will note that, as illustrated, the transparent sheet50 and the first 52 and second 54 layers of fabric, after cutting tosize may be assembled with the transparent sheet 50 placed between theoutward-facing sides of the first 52 and second 54 fabric layers. Afteraligning the respective edges of the layers, the bottom edge 26 and sideedges 28 and 30 of the three layers 52, 54, and 50 (the first, second,and third layers respectively) may be sewn along the seam 44. Then theenvelope 12 is turned “inside out” and the foam inner layer 56 insertedwithin the envelope 12 before the seam 46 is sewn. Also note that beforethe seam 46 is sewn, the edges of the first 52 and second 54 fabriclayers are folded inward and bound to form the hemmed edge 32. The flap34 (which may include both first 52 and second 54 layers) is foldedover, along the upper edge of the foam layer 56 at the locationindicated by the arrows 48, and against the front surface of thetransparent sheet 50.

Also shown in FIG. 2 are two sides 42A and 42B of a fastening devicethat may be used on larger versions of the carrier 10. For smaller orsimpler versions such as shown in FIG. 3, a separate fastening device isnot needed. When the flap 34 is sewn along the sides 38, 40 it will benoted that both sides of the fastening device 42A and 42B will injuxtaposition with each other. The fastening device 42 may be anyfastener that has two complementary halves such as a hook and loopfastener, a snap fastener, and the like. As assembled, the envelope 12includes the flap 34 that is open along its free edge except at the endsthereof along the sides of the carrier 10 at 38 and 40. The flap 34,thus configured, permits a convenient opening to insert or remove apersonal digital device 100.

In use, the personal digital device (not shown) is inserted between thefront 14 and back 16 panels with its display facing outward through thetransparent front panel 14 by lifting the flap 34 above the upper edgeof the front panel 14 and inserting the device 100 between the panels14, 16. The flap 34 is then restored to its initial position and thefastening device 42A, 42B secured if the carrier 10, 62 is so equipped.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention and one example of the use of an associated supporting device.This view is the same as FIG. 1 with several exceptions. First, twopairs of resilient button loops 18, 19 and 20, 21 are shown instead oftwo. Second, the location of a fastening means (42) is shown as depictedin FIG. 1. This is because in smaller embodiments of the carrier 10,such as for smart phone products, a separate fastening means (42) is notrequired. Third, child-safe links 64 are shown looped through the buttonloops 18, 20. Such links 64 may be supplied with the carrier 10 toenable supporting the carrier 10 by hanging it from the headrest postsin an automobile, the frame of a grocery cart, child's stroller or carseat, etc. The child-safe links 64 depicted in FIG. 3 are fabricated ofa flexible, resilient material such as a thermoplastic which can resisteither twisting or bending forces applied to a thin rod of the material.This property enables the separate, open ends 66 on the one side to beseparated, either by forcing the ends 66 laterally with respect to eachother or by pulling them apart slightly along their common axis so thatthe link 64 may be slipped around a shaft, pipe, rod, post, or framemember. When the ends 66 of the open side of the link 64 are releasedthey return to an aligned position. The tension in the links 64 issufficient to support the relatively light weight of the personaldigital device enclosed within the carrier 10. Another required propertyof the material used for the child-safe links 64 is that they benon-toxic and safe for young children to handle. Alternative child-safelinks are illustrated and described for FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in several alternate views and without limitation, agroup of some alternative child-safe links. All of them are child-safelinks in the broader sense in that they may be used in association withthe embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 in place of the child-safe links 64illustrated in FIG. 3. Further, it is important that the child-safelinks chosen be sufficiently large to preclude a choking hazard foryoung children. For example, the links 64 shown in FIG. 3 areapproximately 2½ to 3 inches long. Moreover, any link chosen must besafe for children to handle and have no sharp edges or parts that mayremoved easily, or be made of materials that are not safe for childrento handle. It is to be understood that, while other objects may be usedto support the carrier 10, 62, child-safe objects are preferred. In anycase, It is intended that, for very young children, adults perform thetask of installing the carrier 10, 62 to a supporting object using thechild-safe links illustrated or their equivalent.

In FIG. 4A is shown a variant of the oval shaped child-safe link 64illustrated in FIG. 3. The circular link 70 of FIG. 4A is otherwiseidentical with the oval shaped link 64, having the separate ends 72 thatmay be separated to install the link 70 around a shaft, pipe, or framemember and a button loop 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the carrier 10. FIG. 4Billustrates a device called a circular split ring 74, preferably alsomade of a thermoplastic material that can resist twisting forces appliedto the ends 76 of the ring as they may be separated laterally to installthe ring 74 around a shaft, pipe, or frame member and a button loop 18,19, 20, or 21 of the carrier 10. The device depicted in FIG. 4C iscalled a carabiner 78. Carabiner 79 is typically made of a metal such asaluminum and has a swinging arm 80, usually held in a closed positionagainst the fixed end 84 by a spring (not shown) within the hinged joint82. To operate, the swinging arm 80 is pressed inward away from thefixed end 84 so that the carabiner 78 may be slipped around a shaft,pipe, or frame member and a button loop 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the carrier10.

Continuing with FIG. 4D, the “S” hook 86 may also be used as achild-operable link 64. Constructed of metal or thermoplastic, one end88 of the “S” 86 may be installed around a button loop 18, 19, 20, or 21and the other end 90 installed around a shaft, pipe, or frame member ofthe supporting object. It is especially important that if an S hook 86is chosen for supporting the carrier 10 it must be sufficiently large topreclude it being swallowed by an infant or young toddler, and have nosharp edges or points, or be made of a material that may be toxic tochildren. Another example of a child-safe link shown in FIG. 4E is anelastic loop 92 with a hook 94. As illustrated, the hook 94 is attachedto one end 96 of the loop 92 with a ferrule 98 or other fastener. Theelastic loop 92 may be used several ways by threading the loop through abutton loop 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the carrier 10 and around a shaft,pipe, or frame member of the supporting object (not shown) and hookingthe hook 94 to the loop 92. Alternatively the loop 92 may be hung arounda protruding portion of a supporting object and the hook 94 threadedthrough a button loop and hooked around the loop 92 adjacent the ferrule98 to secure the button loop to the supporting object.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example of use of the invention as supportedfrom headrest posts 102 of an automobile seat 104. To preface thisdescription, note that either of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, oreither of the sizes described herein (large for a tablet computer andsmall for a smart phone or a video game device) may be used in the sameway in all depicted examples shown in FIGS. 5 through 11. The carrier10, 62 is shown supported from the head rest posts 102 of an automobileseat 104 by the split links 64 shown in FIG. 3 although it could as wellbe supported with other types of links shown in FIG. 4, views A throughE. The links 64 are hooked through the resilient button loops 18, 20 tosupport the device 100 in a landscape mode, although in some situationsthe links 64 could be hooked to the resilient button loops 18, 19 toorient the device 100 in a portrait mode. Inside the carrier 10, 62 is apersonal digital device 100, supported therein for hands-free viewing.If it is necessary to interact with the device 100, one merely graspsthe carrier 10, 62 with one hand and touches the front panel sufficientto press the transparent front panel against the display screen of thedevice 100 above the desired image on the display. The thin gaugetransparent vinyl of the front panel enables the pressure of one'sfinger, whether a touch or a drag, to be transferred to the surface ofthe display screen to operate the device 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of the use of the invention assupported from an airplane seat 108. As in FIG. 5, either of theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, or either of the sizes described herein(large for a tablet computer and small for a smart phone or a video gamedevice) may be used in the same way. The carrier 10, 62 is shownsupported from the ends of an airplane fold-down tray 106 by an elasticloop 92 such as shown in FIG. 4E. The carrier 10, 62 could also besupported with other types of links shown in FIG. 4, views A through Dor other similar ties (not shown), depending on the structure of thesupport that is available nearby. The elastic loops 92 are hookedthrough the resilient button loops 18, 20 to support the device 100 in alandscape mode. Inside the carrier 10, 62 is a personal digital device100, that may be viewed hands-free or operated by touching thetransparent front panel as described above for FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 through 10 illustrate other examples of how the carrier 10, 62may be supported so that it has the same functionality as described forFIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of the use of theinvention as supported from the frame 112 of a grocery cart 110. Thecarrier 10, 62 is again supported by links 64 attached to the resilientbutton loops 18, 20 to support the device 100 in a landscape mode.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame 122 of a toddler's car seat 120. In this view,the back side of the carrier 10, 62 is visible, but the carrier 10, 62is supported by links 64 attached to the resilient button loops 18, 20.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame 132 of a child's stroller 130, using the samelinks 64 as described in the previous views.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth example of the use of the invention assupported from the frame 142 of a baby crib 140 or equivalent such as aplay pen (not shown).

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the free-standing use of the inventionby a child without using any supporting device as shown in FIGS. 5through 10. In this view the carrier 10, 62 with a device 100 inside issupported by the child, who is operating the device through thetransparent front panel 14 by transferring his touch to interact withthe device 100 through the thin and flexible transparent front panel 14to the screen of the display on the personal digital device 100. Theview in FIG. 11 also illustrates the soft, flexible character of thecarrier 10, 62—a property made available by the use of fabrics and otherthin and routinely soft materials.

While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is notthus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modificationswithout departing from the spirit thereof. Thus, a carrier 10, 62 isprovided to enclose and support for hands-free operation virtually anysize of a personal electronic device 100 in a soft, flexible case thatis adapted to convenient and shock-absorbing support by or on a varietyof objects, that provides for protection of the enclosed device ifdropped, and protects the device from spills, grubby fingers, etc., allwhile permitting full touch operation through a transparent protectivepanel over the screen. While the devices illustrated are adapted to useprimarily by children, and are thus designed to be child-friendly andchild-safe in use, the invention is not limited solely to their use.Adaptations of the basic concept may easily be adapted for other similaruses and may be implemented in a variety of ways without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow.Variations in materials, sizes and shapes, supporting links, methods ofclosure, etc. for the carrier 10, 62 are contemplated to meet specificapplications. Devices intended for use by children must employ materialsand design features that are safe for children to handle.

For example, the fabric for the back panel 17 may be any fabric-likematerial such as a light-weight leather or synthetic fabrics that havethe properties provided from cotton quilting material. These materials,in combination with the inner layer 56 of closed cell foam, while softand flexible, provide a balance between some shock-absorbing ability incase the carrier 10, 62 is dropped, for example, and sufficient “body”to enable an easily handled object. While clear, transparent, doublepolished vinyl sheet of 15 Gauge has been found a suitable material forthe front panel 14 other materials having similar properties that maybecome available in the future may also be suitable. The child-operablelinks 64 or other suitable substitutes described above may have otheralternatives that become available. As noted, the resiliency of thebutton loops 18, 19, 20, and 21 provides some protection from grabbingby youthful hands or from minor shocks. One alternative if resilientbutton loops are not available is to use child-safe links that areresilient, the principle being that the combination of the button loopsand the child-safe links should be resilient.

1. An accessory carrier for a personal electronic device, comprising: anenvelope having a front and back panel joined together along respectivefirst and second sides and bottom edges thereof and open along a topedge; a front panel of said envelope formed of thin, transparent plasticsheet; a back panel of said envelope formed of first (inner) and second(outer) layers of fabric enclosing there between a third reinforcinglayer; and at least one pair of button loops, each loop of said pairextending from one side and opposite the corresponding loop of the pairextending from the side opposite.
 2. The carrier of claim 1, furthercomprising: a closure flap extending from a top edge of said back paneland disposed over said open top edge and a top edge of said front panelof said envelope; wherein said closure flap includes first and secondends joined to respective said side edges of said envelope.
 3. Thecarrier of claim 2, further comprising: a fastening device disposed onan inner surface of said closure flap and on and aligned with an outersurface of said top edge of said front panel.
 4. The carrier of claim 1,wherein: said third reinforcing layer is a thin sheet of closed-cellfoam having a thickness exceeding 0.1 inch.
 5. The carrier of claim 1,wherein: said button loops are formed of elastic material.
 6. Thecarrier of claim 1, further comprising: a second pair of button loops,each loop extending from one side and opposite the corresponding buttonloop of the pair extending from the side opposite.
 7. The carrier ofclaim 1, wherein: said front panel is formed of double polished clearvinyl sheet having a gauge thickness less than 20 gauge.
 8. The carrierof claim 1, wherein said first and second layers of fabric eachcomprise: a cotton quilting fabric having a weight less than 10oz./sq.yd.
 9. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising: at least onechild-safe link for attaching a said button loop to a supporting object.10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein; said child-safe link is selectedfrom the group consisting of a flexible open chain link, a flexiblesplit ring, a carabiner, an “S” hook, and an elastic hook.
 11. Anaccessory carrier for a personal electronic device, comprising: anenvelope having a front and back panel joined together along respectivefirst and second sides and bottom edges thereof and open along a topedge; a front panel of said envelope formed of thin, transparent plasticsheet; a back panel of said envelope formed of at least one layer ofmedium weight fabric; and at least one pair of button loops, each loopof said pair extending from one side and opposite the corresponding loopof the pair extending from the side opposite.
 12. The accessory carrierof claim 11, wherein: said back panel comprises first and second layersof medium weight fabric.
 13. The accessory carrier of claim 12, wherein:said back panel includes a third layer intermediate said first andsecond layers of open cell foam having a thickness between 0.1 and 0.3inch.
 14. The accessory carrier of claim 11, further comprising: aclosure flap extending from a top edge of said back panel and disposedover said open top edge and a top edge of said front panel of saidenvelope; wherein said closure flap includes first and second endsjoined to respective said side edges of said envelope.
 15. The accessorycarrier of claim 14, further comprising: a fastening device disposed onan inner surface of said closure flap and on and aligned with an outersurface of said top edge of said front panel.
 16. The accessory carrierof claim 11, wherein: said button loops are formed of elastic material.17. The accessory carrier of claim 11, further comprising: a second pairof button loops, each loop extending from one side and opposite thecorresponding button loop of the pair extending from the side opposite.18. The accessory carrier of claim 11, wherein: said front panel isformed of double polished clear vinyl sheet having a gauge thicknessless than 20 gauge.
 19. The carrier of claim 11, further comprising: atleast one child-safe link for attaching a said button loop to asupporting object.
 20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein; said child-safelink is selected from the group consisting of a flexible open chainlink, a flexible split ring, a carabiner, an “S” hook, and an elastichook.